Move the DISCLOSE Act (or a comparable donor-disclosure bill) to enact a uniform national standard for major political spending disclosure.
Pass a national disclosure standard that closes the biggest dark-money loopholes in federal elections. This strategy focuses on moving a DISCLOSE-style bill through committees and floor votes while defending key definitions from carve-outs and “threshold games.” The goal is disclosure that is usable in practice, not just on paper.
Why this works
- High-impact, comprehensive fix that directly targets the core loophole enabling dark money at scale.
Common Cause
AdvocacyBuilding a stronger democracy and accountable government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Common Cause uses funding
- Define the specific legislative target and minimum standards for meaningful donor disclosure.
- Build the case with clear proof points and a bipartisan coalition that can sustain pressure.
- Engage decision-makers through meetings, testimony, and targeted outreach tied to the vote calendar.
- Track amendments and negotiations and push back against loopholes and carve-outs in real time.
- Drive the bill to floor votes, then align final text for enactment and implementation.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Minimum standards + strategy locked
0–30 daysCoalition aligns on a “real disclosure law” checklist and a target vehicle.
- 2
Sponsor coalition built
1–2 monthsSponsors and validators commit publicly and coordinate messaging.
- 3
Committee and floor movement
This sessionThe bill advances and a vote path is set without major carve-outs.
- 4
Final text + implementation readiness
After a voteNegotiations produce enforceable disclosure language and a clear follow-through plan.